Thursday, December 24, 2009

Happy Holidays from Paradise Connections Yacht Charters

Happy Holidays!

Sorry that we haven't posted anything so far this month.  At the end of November, something happened after a power failure with the hotspot we were using in Long Bay, St Thomas. We were able to send & receive email fortunately, but we couldn't access the internet. We thought we would catch up on blogs when we reached Antigua.

The Antigua Charter Yacht Show started on December 7th this year and we were really looking forward to it, as well as the sail from St. Thomas to Antigua. On the Sunday morning, shortly before dawn, we were dismasted which is a pretty major happening on a sailboat. Won't bore you with the details, but we safely motored in to Christiansted, St Croix Monday morning. Very happy with our Electric Yacht electric motor!

We have excellent wifi service on the boat and Paradise Connections is fully up and running. I admit to doing minimal work upon our arrival (though still giving full service to our clients, of course) as we have been busy making adjustments and planning on building a new rig & sails plus all the other things that are going on :)


Stuff happens and you just have to go with the flow.  We've been toying with the idea of changing to a Junk Rig and now we have the opportunity to do so.

So, in the next few days we'll be back up to speed with interesting bits and pieces about barging and various hotel barges.

But in the meantime, we'd like to remind you that Roi Soleil offers a 5% discount if you book by 31 December 2009. See previous post for details.

Yes, Life is Good...

We'd like to wish everyone a happy holiday season.

Monday, November 02, 2009

New Hotel Barges Charters / Cruises Barging Vacations Website Now Online

We are doing the happy dance! After a couple of years of good intentions of creating a standalone hotel barges charter website, we finally did it! BargeCharters.com has been uploaded.  HURRAY!

Check it out: www.BargeCharters.Com



Of course, it's not completely finished yet (is a website ever "finished"?), but the important bits are there and we can tweak it and add more information later.

Still more to do, but So It Goes...

Look forward to hearing from you! Contact us HERE.





Hotel Barges : Early Booking Discounts for 2010 Season

Calendars are already starting to fill up for the prime weeks of 2010 for many of our most popular Hotel Barges... and here's an incentive to get you motivated to book early, too!

The various special offers listed here have expired...



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your barging holiday
Visit our website: www.BargeCharters.com


Wednesday, October 07, 2009

French Hotel Barge EMMA - Canal du Midi, France


We received an email this morning from Liz & René, owner-operators of the French hotel barge EMMA.

Hi Sheila & Bob,
We are on the last cruise of this season with lovely folk, fabulous weather and enquiries coming in for next year, so all is good.

Liz promises to send some new photos this winter and when they arrive, we'll post them and add them to EMMA's online brochure.


French Hotel Barge Emma
Cruises the Canal du Midi, Provence & Camargue, South of France

EMMA's 2010 calendar is already filling in nicely with 5 confirmed charters and 3 options. Start your planning soon as prime dates go fast!



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book EMMA
View EMMA's online brochure
Visit our website : www.BargeCharters.com


Monday, October 05, 2009

We just had an Earthquake in St Martin / St Maarten SXM October 5 2009

Bob & Sheila your charter yacht brokers (Paradise Connections) and hotel barge specialists, who live aboard their own sailboat and are currently at anchor in Simpson Bay Lagoon near Explorer Island (French side) of St Martin had an odd experience at lunchtime.

At about 12:30pm our boat started shaking.  We both thought that maybe the boat was dragging as the boat was vibrating and there was a low grumbling noise like when the anchor chain moves over the bottom.  Or was someone up against us???

Looked outside and everything is OK we are still shaking and a neighbor is looking around, too.

First time I've ever felt an earthquake at anchor that I know of :)



This site http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2009mjbi.php
lists it as being Monday, October 05, 2009 at 16:28:10 UTC (12:28pm local time)
18.043°N, 62.781°W
29 km (18 miles) ESE (102°) from Marigot, Saint Martin, Guadeloupe
30 km (18 miles) E (87°) from Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, Netherlands Antilles
4.5 Magnitude

So, fortunately there shouldn't be a Kick'em Jenny tsunami then...

If it's not one thing it's another... It is still "that" season... Hurricane Omar hit us last year on October 15-16, 2008... So far, so good on that front :)

All the best!

Saturday, October 03, 2009

Luxury Crewed French Hotel Barges - Barging Cruises in France, England, Scotland, Ireland, Holland, Italy, Germany

For a selection of luxury crewed hotel barges we represent, please visit our web site, view our blog, read our monthly barging newsletter, or contact us!

A barging cruise is a wonderful vacation for singles, couples, family, friends, and corporate trips too!

Come and explore the European waterways aboard a quality, luxury, all inclusive, crewed boutique hotel barge.

Visit our website to view barges in France, England, Scotland, Ireland, Holland / Belgium, Italy, Germany / Luxembourg



Friday, September 18, 2009

Luxury Crewed French Hotel Barges - Barging Cruises in France, England, Scotland, Ireland, Holland, Italy, Germany

For a selection of luxury crewed hotel barges we represent, please visit our web site, view our blog, read our monthly barging newsletter, or contact us!

A barging cruise is a wonderful vacation for singles, couples, family, friends, and corporate trips too!

Come and explore the European waterways aboard a quality, luxury, all inclusive, crewed boutique hotel barge.

Visit our website to view barges in France, England, Scotland, Ireland, Holland / Belgium, Italy, Germany / Luxembourg



French Hotel Barge ROI SOLEIL - Early Booking Discount

Guillaume & Tracey of the French Hotel Barge ROI SOLEIL wrote to us this morning to let us know that they have a special offer of an Early Booking Discount!

The Elegant ROI SOLEIL, French Hotel Barge - Contact ParadiseConnections.com
We are offering a discount on Roi Soleil 2010 charters deposited by December 31, 2009.
SORRY, special offer has EXPIRED

The French Barge ROI SOLEIL cruises the Provence/Camargue route as well as the canal du midi in the South of France. They accommodate up to 6 guests in 3 staterooms with queen-sized beds, and with ensuite bathrooms.



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book ROI SOLEIL
View ROI SOLEIL's online brochure
Visit our website : www.ParadiseConnections.com


Thursday, September 17, 2009

French Hotel Barge ALEGRIA - availability 2009

The luxury, crewed French Hotel Barge ALEGRIA, has two open weeks left for the 2009 season.

French Hotel Barge ALEGRIA - Contact ParadiseConnections.com
Happy guests at the wheel

Current availability:
  • October 17-23, 2009
  • October 24-30, 2009
Charter Alegria this autumn (2009) and receive a 15% discount off their 2009 rates (rates go up in 2010!)

Six-night all-inclusive cruise:
  • Charter for 2 guests: $16,830
  • Charter for 3 guests: $17,765
  • Charter for 4 guests: $18,700


Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book ALEGRIA
View ALEGRIA's online brochure
Visit our website : www.ParadiseConnections.com


Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Hotel Barge ALEGRIA - Shared Charter May 2010

The French Hotel Barge ALEGRIA has a couple who is willing to share their charter with another couple, May 15-21, 2010, Canal du Midi in the south of France.

The crewed luxury Barge Alegria has two cabins and thus accommodates a maximum of 4 guests. Normal rates for a private 2-person charter is $22,500, while in this case you'd be splitting the 4-person rate of $24,000/wk with the other couple, bringing the price down to only $12,000/cabin.

This is a great opportunity for a couple to experience a week aboard ALEGRIA.

Olivier sent us this photo today, captioned "A private concert in a lock".



I'm sure the lockkeeper enjoyed the music as well. Alegria is a barge full of hospitality. We know that they'll take good care of you :)



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book ALEGRIA
View ALEGRIA's online brochure
Visit our website : www.ParadiseConnections.com


Monday, September 14, 2009

French Hotel Barge SAVOIR VIVRE - Early Booking Discount for 2010

The French Hotel Barge SAVOIR VIVRE announced today that they are offering an Early Booking Discount for 2010 charters booked before November 30, 2009.

Charter the French Hotel Barge SAVOIR VIVRE with ParadiseConnections.com

SORRY, special offer has EXPIRED

Savoir Vivre's program is designed to be affordable and to appeal to travelers more interested in experiences than amenities. For example, they do not have dinners aboard thus allowing the guests to experience the fare and flavor of the local restaurants (at guests' expense). See Savoir Vivre's rates page for details.



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book SAVOIR VIVRE
View SAVOIR VIVRE's online brochure
Visit our website : www.BargeCharters.com


Sunday, September 06, 2009

Modified 2010 itinerary - Hotel Barge La Belle Epoque

La Belle Epoque has modified their 2010 cruise route. She will be moved to a different cruise route in Burgundy on the Burgundy Canal and will cruise between Pouillenay and Tonnerre.
They felt that a one-hour train between Paris and Montbard would be a preferred option for most of their guests, rather than a 2-3 hour minibus transfer each way. There will be a “meet & greet” person at the station in Paris to ensure that guests will board the correct train and then crew from La Belle Epoque will be at the other end in Montbard to greet guests upon their arrival at the train station.

Saturday, September 05, 2009

Hotel Barges 2010 - Early Booking Special Offers

Calendars are already starting to fill up for the prime weeks of 2010 for many of our most popular Hotel Barges... and here's an incentive to get you motivated to book early, too!

SPECIAL OFFER for 2010 early bookings:
  • discount on all cabin and charter bookings for 2010 cruises, if confirmed with a deposit by 30 November 2009, on the following barges: SORRY, special offer has EXPIRED
ANJODI
  • Canal du Midi - FRANCE
  • 8 guests
  • 6-week Trans-Europe Cruise
L' ART DE VIVRE
  • Burgundy - FRANCE
  • 8 guests


LA BELLE EPOQUE
  • Burgundy - FRANCE
  • 13 guests



ENCHANTÉ
  • Canal du Midi, Camargue/ Provence - FRANCE
  • 8 guests
L' IMPRESSIONNISTE
  • Burgundy - FRANCE
  • 13 guests

MAGNA CARTA
  • Upper Thames (London-Henley) - ENGLAND
  • 8 guests
  • Many interesting theme charters
NYMPHEA
  • Loire Valley - FRANCE
  • 6 guests



RENAISSANCE
  • Burgundy - FRANCE
  • 8 guests
SAVOIR FAIRE
  • Burgundy, Upper Loire, Paris - FRANCE
  • DUTCH Tulip Cruise, HOLLAND-BELGIUM-FRANCE 3-country cruise
  • 12 guests
SHANNON PRINCESS
  • Lower Shannon River - IRELAND
  • 10 guests

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER
  • Caledonian Canal (includes Loch Ness) - SCOTLAND
  • 8 guests
  • Special Fishing, Golfing, and Walking cruises



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your barging holiday
Visit our website: www.BargeCharters.com


Sunday, August 30, 2009

French Hotel Barge EMMA - Autumn Barging Cruises

The French Hotel Barge EMMA has two cabins available for the week of September 19-25, 2009 for a cruise along the canal du midi in the South of France.

French Hotel Barge EMMA - Take a barging vacation in the South of France - Contact ParadiseConnections.com

There are three weeks open in October for a private charter or we can inquire about cabin bookings:
  • October 10-16, 2009
  • October 17-23, 2009
  • October 24-30, 2009
EMMA is offering a $450 per person discount off their normal rates for their remaining openings for 2009.

Rene & Liz - Owner-operators of French Hotel Barge EMMA
Emma is a lovely barge with wonderful crew, including owner-operators Liz & Rene.

Or, perhaps you like to start planning your barging cruise vacation for 2010. They already have several bookings so don't wait and miss your dates!



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book EMMA
View EMMA's online brochure
Visit our website : www.ParadiseConnections.com


Friday, August 28, 2009

Barge cruises - Autumn sale for 2009 barging vacations

European Waterways Fall Sale - Take a barge cruise this autumn and SAVE !

September & October 2009 Cruises, except where otherwise noted

Deposits placed by 30th September 2009


Hotel Barge La Belle Epoque - Book with ParadiseConnections.com

*** FULL-BOAT, PRIVATE CHARTER SPECIALS ***

SORRY, special offer has EXPIRED

FRANCE:
SCOTLAND:

OTHER CHARTER OFFERS :
FRANCE:
IRELAND:
ENGLAND:

Hotel Barge l'Impressionniste

*** CABIN SPECIALS ***

SORRY, special offer has EXPIRED
FRANCE:
SCOTLAND:
FRANCE:
  • L’Art de Vivre : Burgundy - 13th September 2009
  • La Belle Epoque : Burgundy - 13th September, 20th September 2009
  • L'Impressionniste : Burgundy - 6th September 2009
  • Anjodi : Canal du Midi - 11th October 2009
SCOTLAND:
  • Scottish Highlander : Calendonian Canal / Loch Ness - 13th September 2009
FRANCE:
  • Enchanté : Canal du Midi -  charter bookings for September and October 2009
ENGLAND:
French Hotel Barges

These barging vacations are all inclusive, which means:
  • 6 Nights accommodation on board in an air-conditioned en-suite cabin
  • Return transfer to and from local meeting/drop off point.
  • Daily excursions by chauffeured barge mini van and inclusive entry fees to Castles, Exclusive Vineyards, Markets and local historical and cultural places of interest.
  • The services of our experienced Captain / Host, Chef, Housekeeper(s), Driver/Tour Guide
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner aboard. All lunch and evening meals aboard are a gastronomic adventure with local produce
  • Local lunch ashore, once per week on most barges. Depending on the route, this may well be in a Michelin starred restaurant.
  • An excellent selection of fine regional and international wines and spirits, plus all day Open Bar, tea and coffee.
  • Use of barge facilities such as bicycles, boules, barge library and on certain vessels a spa pool.



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your barging holiday
Visit our website: www.BargeCharters.com


Sunday, August 23, 2009

French Hotel Barge PROSPERITE - New Brochure

We have just created a new online brochure for the French Hotel Barge PROSPERITE and have added them to our collection of barges that you can see on our website, Paradise Connections Yacht Charters.

French Hotel Barge PROSPERITE - Burgundy Canal - Contact ParadiseConnections.com

The French Hotel Barge Prospérité cruises the Canal de Bourgogne (Burgundy Canal) of France. Enjoy the unparalleled history and beauty of the Burgundy region via barge travel in France — 150 vineyards, cellars and wine traders in the region are open for sampling and more than 32 fine restaurants bear Michelin stars, including four 3-star establishments.

Prospérité accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 suites, which can be configured as doubles or twins, with sitting area and desk, each having their own private ensuite bathroom. Prospérité is fully air conditioned and also has central heating when necessary, hot tub on the sundeck, bicycles, air conditioned minivan for excursions...



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book PROSPERITE
View PROSPERITE's online brochure
Visit our website : www.ParadiseConnections.com


Thursday, August 20, 2009

LA BELLE EPOQUE - Guided Walking Cruise

The French Hotel Barge LA BELLE EPOQUE is offering a  discount for their special Walking Cruise, taking place October 25-31, 2009 - EXPIRED

French Hotel Barge LA BELLE EPOQUE Walking Cruise in Burgundy

This week has been designated as a Walking Cruise Week for individuals booking cabins. A professional guide will be on board for the walking tours. There are no supplements for this special week.

Of course, if you would like to book a cabin and do not want to participate in the walks, you are free to do other activities.

Click here for Walking Cruise itinerary.



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book LA BELLE EPOQUE
View LA BELLE EPOQUE's online brochure
Visit our website : www.BargeCharters.com


French Barge ROI SOLEIL - Last minute, end of season special

The French Charter Barge ROI SOLEIL is offering a last-minute, end of season special... 10% off their standard charter rate! 
Sorry, special offer has EXPIRED.



Here's the notice we received from Guillaume & Tracey:
We are pleased to extend an unprecedented "Pack and Go" offer for new charter bookings for this September and October, 2009.

...

Charter party can choose Canal du Midi route instead of Provence route this October, please consult us for details.

We do assure you that we will maintain the exacting level of service, amenities, meals and beverages that Roi Soleil is famed for. This offer represents exceptional value due to the high cost of maintaining our ultra deluxe rating and our constant drive to exceed guest expectations.

September and October are glorious months to visit the Midi and Provence, we are coming in to the best season with long warm evenings, soft light and no crowds.
Roi Soleil is another excellent barge for you to consider for an autumn cruise in the South of France.



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book ROI SOLEIL
View ROI SOLEIL's online brochure
Visit our website: www.BargeCharters.com


Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Hotel Barge ANJODI - 6 week Trans-Europe Cruise

The Ultimate Journey... The French Hotel Barge ANJODI offers a 6-week Trans-European Cruise beginning November 8th in Avignon (Provence, France) and finishing December 18th 2009 in Amsterdam (Netherlands).

French Hotel Barge ANJODI - Trans-European Cruise

This cruise is available as individual cabin bookings, or as a private, full-boat charter.

This is a very special voyage on which passengers will experience a unique 1,000 mile adventure aboard Anjodi along the canals and rivers of central Europe, from Avignon in Provence all the way to the vibrant city of Amsterdam in Holland. The 6-week cruise takes in famous cities such as Lyon, Paris and Cologne, the local highlights and culture along famous rivers such as the Rhone, Seine and Rhine, and enchanting smaller waterways such as the Canal de Bourgogne.

RATES:
  • Individual cabins, price per person (double occupancy) of US$25,000 / UK£15,000 based on a minimum of 6 passengers
  • Private, whole barge charter (up to 8 guests) for US$185,000 / UK£110,000

Click here to see the 6-Week, Trans-Europe Itinerary

On days 22 & 23, you'll be in our old stomping ground of where we built our second sailboat, Loose Moose 2. Right there, just across from the lock in Meaux. Shout "Hello" to our friend Gerard as you pass by!
What a great trip this would be! Don't you deserve to treat yourself to six weeks of fun, relaxation, great food, and pampering?

This would be a perfect working vacation for writers, artists, photographers...



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book Anjodi
View Anjodi's online brochure
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com


Monday, August 10, 2009

French Barge SAVOIR VIVRE - Burgundy France, new to fleet

We would like to welcome to the barging fleet, the new French hotel barge SAVOIR VIVRE who is cruising the Burgundy canal, France.

French Hotel Barge SAVOIR VIVRE

Savoir Vivre is a newly-built (2009) hotel barge, purposely designed for barge charter cruises. Savoir Vivre has a crew of two, and accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 identical cabins, each with ensuite bathroom facilities. Their program is designed to be affordable and to appeal to travelers more interested in experiences than amenities.

Savoir Vivre has a special introductory rate for the remainder of the 2009 season for charters on the Canal de Bourgogne, Fleury-sur-Ouche to Chateauneuf-en-Auxois:
  • $16,000 for a private charter for up to 8 guests (6 nights/7 days) - EXPIRED
Please visit our online brochure for SAVOIR VIVRE for more information.



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book Savoir Vivre
View Savoir Vivre's online brochure
Visit our website: www.BargeCharters.com


Sunday, August 09, 2009

Luxury Crewed French Hotel Barges - Barging Cruises in France, England, Scotland, Ireland, Holland, Italy, Germany

For a selection of luxury crewed hotel barges we represent, please visit our web site, view our blog, read our monthly barging newsletter, or contact us!

A barging cruise is a wonderful vacation for singles, couples, family, friends, and corporate trips too!

Come and explore the European waterways aboard a quality, luxury, all inclusive, crewed boutique hotel barge.

Visit our website to view barges in France, England, Scotland, Ireland, Holland / Belgium, Italy, Germany / Luxembourg



Thursday, August 06, 2009

Hotel Barge EMMA - Savings on remaining 2009 openings

Our friends Liz & Rene, owner-operators of the French Hotel Barge EMMA on the canal du midi, are offering a $450 per person reduction on remaining openings they have for their 2009 season.

French Hotel Barge EMMA - Canal du Midi, Provence & Camargue, FRANCE - Book with ParadiseConnections.com

See a recent post about EMMA here...

EMMA already has five weeks blocked off for the 2010 season, so rest assured that it's not too early to book for next year!



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book Emma
View Emma's online brochure
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com


Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Barge ALEGRIA - Couple wanted to share barge

The luxurious, crewed French Hotel Barge ALEGRIA, has a booking with an American couple for the dates October 3-9, 2009 (Béziers to Carcassonne route), who would like to share their charter with another couple.

French Hotel Barge AlegriaIf you are available this week, it would be a wonderful way to experience the hospitality of ALEGRIA at the much reduced rate of $8,415 for a cabin (price for TWO people, NOT each).

Also, just a reminder that special rates are available on open dates from mid-August through October 2009:
Six-night all-inclusive cruise:
(Prices below reflect 15% discount)
  • Charter for 2 guests: $16,830 (12,775 euros)
  • Charter for 3 guests: $17,765 (13,485 euros)
  • Charter for 4 guests: $18,700 (14,195 euros)
Three-night Discover Cruise
(Prices below reflect 10% discount):
  • Charter for 2 guests: $10,830 (8,020 euros)
  • Charter for 3 guests: $11,420 (8,460 euros)
  • Charter for 4 guests: $12,000 (8,910 euros)
ALEGRIA includes free & unlimited champagne aboard!
The French Barge Alegria hosts a maximum of four guests in two large cabins fitted with king size beds, and is managed by a crew of five.

Barge cruising offers a week of relaxation, gastronomy, excellent wines, fascinating culture, great landscapes, and new friendships.



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book Alegria
View Alegria's online brochure
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com


Saturday, August 01, 2009

Barge cruises - Summer sale for 2009 barging vacations

SEE UPDATED POST AUGUST 28, 2009



European Waterways Summer Sale - Take a barge cruise this month and SAVE !


August 2009 Cruises, except where otherwise noted

Sale ends 31st August 2009 - EXPIRED


Hotel Barge La Belle Epoque - Book with ParadiseConnections.com

*** FULL-BOAT, PRIVATE CHARTER SPECIALS ***

SORRY, special offer has EXPIRED


FRANCE:
SCOTLAND:

OTHER CHARTER OFFERS :
FRANCE:
IRELAND:
ENGLAND:

Hotel Barge l'Impressionniste


FRANCE:
SCOTLAND:
EXPIRED

FRANCE:
  • Anjodi : Canal du Midi - 9th August, 23rd August, 30th August (GOLF WEEK)

EXPIRED
IRELAND:

OTHER CABIN OFFERS for September & October 2009 :
FRANCE:
ENGLAND:
French Hotel Barges

These barging vacations are all inclusive, which means:
  • 6 Nights accommodation on board in an air-conditioned en-suite cabin
  • Return transfer to and from local meeting/drop off point.
  • Daily excursions by chauffeured barge mini van and inclusive entry fees to Castles, Exclusive Vineyards, Markets and local historical and cultural places of interest.
  • The services of our experienced Captain / Host, Chef, Housekeeper(s), Driver/Tour Guide
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner aboard. All lunch and evening meals aboard are a gastronomic adventure with local produce
  • Local lunch ashore, once per week on most barges. Depending on the route, this may well be in a Michelin starred restaurant.
  • An excellent selection of fine regional and international wines and spirits, plus all day Open Bar, tea and coffee.
  • Use of barge facilities such as bicycles, boules, barge library and on certain vessels a spa pool.



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your barging holiday
Visit our website: www.BargeCharters.com